What is the most important information I should know about coal tar?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to coal tar.
Before using coal tar, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you are
receiving ultraviolet radiation treatment for your psoriasis.
Do not use coal tar to treat the skin of your groin or rectal area.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Coal tar
can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and
sunburn may result.
Stop using coal tar and call your doctor at once if you have severe stinging, burning,
swelling, or other irritation of the treated skin.
Do not use coal tar to treat large skin areas. Do not use coal tar over long periods of
time without your doctor's advice.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse after using coal
tar.
Coal tar is not a cure for psoriasis, and it will provide only temporary
relief of skin symptoms.
What is coal tar?
Coal tar is a by-product of coal processing.
Coal tar topical (for the skin) is used to treat the skin symptoms of psoriasis, including
dryness, redness, flaking, scaling, and itching. Coal tar is not a cure for psoriasis, and it will provide only temporary relief of skin symptoms.
Coal tar may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before using coal tar?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to coal tar.
Before using coal tar, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you are
receiving ultraviolet radiation treatment for your psoriasis.
This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are
pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether coal tar passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing
baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
Coal tar products may contain lanolin, mineral oil, or other emulsifiers. Check the label
of any coal tar product you are using. Talk with your doctor before using coal tar if you are
allergic to any of the ingredients.
How should I use coal tar?
Use this medication as directed on the label, or as your doctor has prescribed. Do not use
the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Apply coal tar cream, lotion, ointment, or solution according the directions on the
medication label. Some forms of coal tar may be applied 1 to 4 times per day.
To use coal tar bath oil, pour 1 to 3 capfuls into a warm bath before bathing. The oil can
make the bathtub slippery. Take care to avoid a fall.
Shake the coal tar shampoo well just before each use. Use enough shampoo to create
a rich lather.
Massage the shampoo into your scalp and rinse thoroughly. Apply the shampoo a
second time and leave it on your scalp for 5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
Do not use coal tar to treat large skin areas. Do not use coal tar over long periods of
time without your doctor's advice.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse after using coal
tar.
Coal tar shampoo may discolor blond or colored hair. This effect is usually temporarily.
Some forms of coal tar can stain fabric or other surfaces.
Store coal tar at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the medicine
tightly closed with not in use.
Print
Email
Save
Drug Info Tools
Medicare's drug plans are subsidized by the US federal government and offered through insurers.
